The following article was submitted by Vivian Reynolds, Registered Leader, Scouts BSA:
Silver Beaver Award
The Middle Tennessee Council (MTC) of the Boy Scouts of America chose ten registered leaders from the 28 counties in their area who had distinguished themselves by their outstanding work at the council level. Defeated area resident, Tracey Lynn Rodenbach, walked on stage at the Allen Arena to receive the MTC’s highest honor and have the Silver Beaver pendant placed around her neck in view of her husband Stacey and their twelve-year-old son Ephraim (Star Scout and Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 367).
Being as “busy as a beaver,” Tracey has served tirelessly to impact the lives of youth in our mid-state area. In Pack 367, she has served as Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, Cubmaster and Pack Committee member. In Troop 367, she is a Troop Committee member. In the Walton Trail District, she has served on the WTD Committee, and as a Unit Commissioner, Assistant WTD Commissioner, WTD Commissioner, and Merit Badge Counselor. Tracey is a graduate of Wood Badge (leadership training program) and has served on Wood Badge staff four times. She has been a Dean and Instructor at the College of Commissioner Science and has served as Chancellor of the Fall 2017 University of Scouting. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Scouting as well as the College of Commissioner Science.
In addition to her Scouting service, this self-employed freelance artist volunteers at the Defeated Elementary School where her son attends. She is also past National President of the Dominique Poultry Club of America.
Tracey’s drive for excellence has won her several awards in Scouting: Den Leader Knot, Scouter’s Training Award, District Committee Key, Commissioner’s Key, Unit Leader Award of Merit, Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Unit Service, Arrowhead Honor, and Long Rifle Award. She is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. Also, as a youth in Girl Scouts, Tracey earned the highest award, the First-Class Award (now called the Gold Award).
Tracey Rodenbach joins the small but prestigious colony of Smith County Silver Beavers to include Doug deLong (1988), Scott Penfield (2013), and David Oyster (2016), who have served Pack 367 and continue their service to Troop 367 and the Scouting community at large. Other Smith County recipients since 1931 (based on MTC listing) are: A. C. Read, Jr. (1955); Bob Mixon (1967); and Steve Miller (2004).
Tracey Lynn Rodenbach was one of ten Scouting leaders in the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America to receive the Silver Beaver Award at the Eagle Scout and Volunteer Recognition Reception held at the Allen Arena at Lipscomb University on March 31, 2019. MTC records since 1931 reveal that she is the seventh Smith Countian to earn such an honor.
Eagle Scouts Honored
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is something special, as was illustrated by the March 31 Eagle Scout Reception at Lipscomb University. This huge event, attended by approximately 800 people, honored the 373 Scouts who had attained the Eagle rank in 2018. Of those who start in the Scouting program, only 4-6% ultimately reach that level. Weeks prior to the reception, each Eagle Scout was asked to identify personal career goals so that the MTC staff could find a mentor, a professional who has experience corresponding to the Scout’s interest. Mentors sponsored each Scout’s lunch and the purchase of new Eagle Scout neckerchiefs to wear with uniforms. The mentors also encouraged the Scout’s advancement in his chosen career field.
Each Eagle Scout received certificates for potential use as college scholarships: $6,000 to the University of Mississippi, and a yearly $2,500 to Lipscomb University. Most college applications today have a checkbox for Eagle Scout, implying preference for admittance and other scholarships.
James Gregory Bass (center) was honored at Lipscomb University during the Eagle Scout and Volunteer Recognition Reception sponsored by business and community leaders and organized by the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Pictured with the honoree are parents, David (also an Eagle Scout) and Dawn Vaden Bass. Greg is a senior classman at Smith County High School and earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2018 as a member of Troop 367.
Life of Distinction
The opportunity to have a fun-filled summer is awaiting your youth. Encourage their development toward a life of distinction: Eagle Scout. Contact Scoutmaster Roger Morris (615-774-3159) to find out about Boy Troop 367 and Scoutmaster Lisa Barnes (629-867-1041) to find out about Girl Troop 73. Both units serve the Smith County area and are a part of Scouts BSA of the Boy Scouts of America.
[wdca_ad id=”11404″ ]
[wdca_ad id=”11484″ ]
